LGBT Rights

The ACLU of Virginia envisions a Commonwealth where everyone is free to be and live openly as themselves. We are committed to ensuring that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Virginians can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights and personal autonomy.

We work to combat laws and policies that promote state-sanctioned discrimination against the LGBT community. This effort includes safeguarding the rights of LGBT students, who often face bullying and discrimination at school; ensuring equal opportunity and legal protection for LGBT people in housing, employment, and health care; supporting LGBT parents and their children, especially with regards to adoption and custody policies; and protecting the rights of transgender Virginians.

Did you know?

Currently in Virginia, it is legal to fire or not hire people based on sexual orientation, and there are no explicit employment protections for transgender people. Similarly, there are no laws to prevent LGBT people from being discriminated against when trying to rent or own a home.